For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.
For my people are foolish, they don't really know me. They are like senseless children who have no understanding. They're clever when it comes to doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do what's right.
God is expressing deep sadness that His people have become skilled at doing wrong but have lost all understanding of how to do good or truly know Him.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah was a prophet in ancient Judah during the 7th century BC, a time when the nation faced moral and spiritual decay amid threats from invading empires like Babylon. The people had abandoned God's laws, turning to idolatry and widespread wickedness, which provoked divine judgment as warned in Jeremiah's prophecies. In this verse, God laments the foolishness of His people, who cleverly pursued evil but lacked understanding of righteousness.
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